Which is better for shoulder imaging: ultrasound or MR? What are the latest advances in musculoskeletal tumor ablation, and where does ultrasound fit in? And what is O-mode imaging, anyway?
Researchers will address these questions and many more at the upcoming RSNA 2014 meeting in Chicago.
A prominent theme at this year's meeting will be the use of ultrasound in combination with other modalities -- or on its own -- as a less-invasive, lower-cost alternative to more traditional imaging methods.
What are some examples? RSNA attendees will find presentations that address the use of emergency ultrasound to diagnose acute appendicitis; high-resolution, contrast-enhanced ultrasound for gastrointestinal applications and to distinguish between thyroid adenomas and carcinomas; and fused ultrasound/MR guidance for prostate interventions or to target biopsies.
Of course, expect much discussion of breast ultrasound, with researchers giving attendees an update on the "Connecticut experiment" -- the original breast density notification law that launched a movement. Presenters will discuss whether it's possible to minimize unnecessary follow-up in women who have BI-RADS 3 lesions at screening ultrasound, and explain whether using breast ultrasound for further assessment after negative mammography spot views appears to do more harm than good.
And if meeting participants are looking for a knowledge boost, there's no need to worry: Along with the scientific sessions, RSNA 2014 is hosting plenty of refresher courses, covering topics from elastography imaging and musculoskeletal ultrasound to ultrasound-guided interventional breast procedures and ultrasound/photoacoustic molecular imaging.
For highlights of just some of the many ultrasound research papers and posters scheduled for presentation at this year's meeting, read on. To view RSNA's complete listing of abstracts for this year's scientific and educational program, click here.
![Examples of ultrasound findings and techniques. (A) Images in a 39-year-old male patient with a mass in the left thigh. The mass is heterogeneous on the B-mode US image (compared with the patient in D) and showed increased microvascularity (superb microvascular imaging [SMI]) and shear-wave elastography (SWE) values. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma was diagnosed at biopsy (with pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma in surgical specimen). (B) Images in an 18-year-old male patient with a mass in the left leg. The mass is hypoechoic on the B-mode image, with no other findings suggestive of malignancy. The lesion is in contact with the cortex of the tibia, which is slightly irregular. CT revealed a doubtful anteromedial tibial erosion. The microvascular study demonstrated high vascularization, suggestive of malignancy. Periosteal Ewing sarcoma was diagnosed with both histologic and immunohistochemical confirmation. (C) Images in a 69-year-old female patient with a lump growing on the outside of the left leg. Multiple SWE examinations were performed (please note the high values obtained in the measurements, whereas the color map highlights the stiffness relative to adjacent tissues). SMI showed areas of increased vascularization to target for sampling. Undifferentiated spindle cell sarcoma was diagnosed at biopsy, with residual leiomyosarcoma in the surgical specimen after neoadjuvant therapy. (D) Images in a 56-year-old female patient with a mass in the right thigh. The mass is heterogeneous at both B-mode ultrasound (similar to patient A) and MRI (coronal T2-weighted spectral attenuated inversion recovery [SPAIR]; T1-weighted pre-contrast and postcontrast imaging), which even shows uptake after the administration of paramagnetic contrast material, which is traditionally suggestive of malignancy. Low values at SMI and elastography are suggestive of benignity. Spindle cell lipoma was diagnosed at biopsy, with atypical spindle cell lipomatous tumor in the surgical specimen.](https://img.auntminnie.com/mindful/smg/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/08/images-radiol250278fig2.APCFLSvX6p.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=2&fit=crop&h=167&q=70&w=250)
